Fresno State Athletics
Bulldogs Sports Properties Takes Fresno State to New Heights
8/17/2007 12:00:00 AM | General
Aug. 17, 2007
FRESNO, Calif. - Bulldog fans have plenty to look forward to in the coming weeks as the 2007-'08 athletic season kicks off.
Fresno State's Bulldog Sports Properties (BSP) works year-round to enhance fan atmosphere at games, provide effective, affordable advertising to businesses pursuing a fan and alumni connection, as well as generate ongoing revenue for Fresno State Athletics. As the exclusive sports marketer for Bulldog Athletics, BSP collaborates daily with Associate Athletics Director Paul Ladwig and his team to usher in the best partnerships that ultimately afford fans and alumni memorable game experiences.
Bulldog Boulevard is back for the 2007 season and will feature a new and improved concert venue and interactive fan zone. Other enhancements through new BSP sponsorship revenue has provided for capital improvements and marketing opportunities at Bulldog Stadium entrances, parking lot sponsorships, basketball benches, basket supports and media conference banners. Additional sponsor tie-ins will allow for fans to receive schedule magnets and thundersticks at this year's games and to enjoy numerous promotions, such as The Weber "BMW Giveaway" in which one lucky fan has a chance to win a Bulldog Red 2007 BMW 328i valued at $35,000; the Roger Dunn Golf "Putt for Dough" contest providing a fan the opportunity to win $50,000 cash; and Carl's Jr. "Kick for Cash" in which a fan can win $10,000.
"Obviously Bulldog Sports Properties is an important part of the success of our department," said Ladwig. "We certainly rely on them to provide financial resources that allow our student-athletes and coaches to succeed and have a great experience. They are also in the entertainment business, and what we saw last year with the new video wall in Bulldog Stadium, the new message marquee boards on Cedar and Barstow Avenue and the excitement Bulldog Boulevard brought to pre-game activities is just the tip of the iceberg. We are looking to continue to build and grow this partnership and everyone associated with the Bulldog program will benefit."
Undoubtedly, BSP is having a record-setting year in the area of athletics sponsorship by creating multi-media marketing plans involving signage at Fresno State's venues, advertising on Bulldog Sports Network telecasts, print and game program advertisements, Internet advertising on gobulldogs.com and a variety of other special athletics promotions for fans.
BSP is a property of Learfield Sports, which operates similar ventures on 37 college campuses nationwide, including WAC schools Nevada, San Jose State, Utah State and Idaho and large BCS universities like North Carolina, Oklahoma, Texas A&M, Wisconsin and Minnesota. BSP General Manager Rob Stockhausen has been pleased with the community involvement when it comes to sponsorships interest.
"The Fresno State Bulldogs are the most recognized brand in Central California and no medium or team can compete with us on market share in this Valley," said Stockhausen. "We have been so pleased with how businesses throughout California have responded to marketing with the Bulldogs. The reaction from businesses has been remarkably positive and there is a lot of interest in partnering with the Bulldogs." The efforts and growth are reflected in the satisfaction of the sponsors as well.
"EYE-Q has been very satisfied with its long term support of Fresno State Athletics" states EYE-Q CEO Scott Bridgeman. "Our relationship with the University has allowed us the opportunity to support their mission while providing visibility for EYE-Q within the community."
Sprint also recognizes a new partnership as the official cellular carrier of Fresno State Athletics. In a two-year agreement, coaches and staff members are provided new Sprint phones and services. Additionally, Comcast is completely wiring the Bulldog Stadium press box for cable, and BSP is currently securing products and equipment to be used by Fresno State Athletics which include a new industrial lift and forklift for the facilities team via new corporate partners at The Pape' Group and new office furniture from Top Drawer.
BSP also is expanding coverage for Bulldog Sports Network telecasts. Games now can be seen on KUVI in Bakersfield, Calif. and on Comcast Sports Net, resulting in new market coverage in Northern California, Oakland, Sacramento and Reno, Nevada. The BSN broadcasts, which previously reached 730,000 homes, will now reach close to 3.2 million homes in 2007-08.
"Bakersfield high school kids who want to play for the Bulldogs will get to watch our games on KUVI. A fan can now go to Lake Tahoe or the beach and still watch our football and basketball games like never before," said Stockhausen.
To learn about partnership opportunities with Fresno State and market your business to Bulldog fans all over the Valley, contact Rob Stockhausen at 559-278-4421 or rstockhausen@learfield.com.
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